Next Up aims to help businesses better navigate complexity and integrate foresight into clients’ existing processes.

The consultancy's approach combines AI-led horizon scanning with input from a network of ‘edge thinkers’, including subject matter and sector specialists and partners in economics and geopolitical risk.

Horizon scanning data and inputs from the network are applied to the company’s ‘central foresight model', a framework that flags priority shifts and uncertainties across supply and demand.

McBain and Goodman previously held senior roles at Foresight Factory – McBain as  director of global consultancy and strategic foresight, and Goodman as senior strategic consultant.

John Robson, who co-founded insight agency Sparkler, has been appointed non-executive chair at Next Up.

Josh McBain, co-founder and chief executive, Next Up, said: “In today’s volatile environment, foresight has become essential best practice for organisations striving to optimise their resilience and achieve their desired future.

“But foresight shouldn’t just sit with large businesses or the C-suite. Every organisation can unlock value from futures thinking and practices. And the real rewards come from embedding a mindset that will live, breathe and act on foresight day to day – not just in a one-off project workshop.”     

Pictured: The Next Up team (from left to right – Pippa Goodman, Lucy Jacob, John Robson, Josh McBain)